Budget Pick

A narrow lane of open-flame grills where locals queue without reservations and smoke drifts into the Hongdae night. Pull up a stool, order the samgyeopsal, and let the evening take care of itself.

The local buckwheat noodle shop beside Mangwon Market that regulars have been going to for years. Perilla oil makguksu and king dumplings. Solo dining welcome; English menu available.